Tribal Government E-Commerce CLE Conference just a month away – early rate expires tomorrow!

Early rate for registration expires tomorrow! Great networking opportunities. Keynote Lunch Speaker is Gary “Litefoot” Davis. Get your CLE credits by attending a conference that focuses on an innovative field of tribal economic development – a new geography of Indian Country.   Agenda and more info at:  http://conferences.asucollegeoflaw.com/ilp_ecommerce/

Judicial Branch of Arizona – Judge Pro Tempore

The Pro Tempore recruitment is now accepting applications between
January 2, 2015 – January 30, 2015

for the next appointment term,
7/1/2015 – 6/30/2016.

Superior court pro tem requirements:
12-142. Qualifications of judge pro tempore; residence; salary; exclusion from retirement provisions

  1. A judge pro tempore of the superior court shall be:

    1. Not less than thirty years of age.

    2. Of good moral character.

    3. Admitted to the practice of law in this state for not less than five years next preceding his appointment.

    4. A resident of this state for not less than five years next preceding his appointment.

  2. A judge pro tempore may be appointed to serve in the county of his residence or in a county of which he is not a resident.

  3. The salary of a judge pro tempore shall be paid for the period of the appointment based on an annual salary equal to that of a superior court judge. A judge pro tempore may agree in advance to donate any or all of his services.

  4. Judges pro tempore are not subject to any provision of law relating to the retirement of judges.

If you are interested in serving as a Judge Pro Tempore for the 2016 term, you will need to apply by logging on to our website at: http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/JudgeProTempore/application/index.asp.

 

Those who are currently Pro Tems and would like to renew their application will also need to log on to our website and click on the “update” prompt located at the bottom of the page.

 

We have a new application this year, so please make sure you carefully review and complete all the requested information.  Also important – please make sure to verify the departments you have selected to serve in as well.  Once completed, please also return your notarized oath and acknowledgement to my attention at the address below.

 

The application opens today, January 2, 2015 and closes on January 30, 2015. 

Please mail to:
ATTN: Judge Pro Tempore Coordinator
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003

For hand-deliveries:
Patricia Schuler
Old Courthouse – 5th Floor
125 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Job Opportunity – Director, Defense Services

Job Title: Director
Closing Date: 02/17/2015

Job Number: 15-238
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Department: Defense Services Office
City: Sacaton
Location: Defense Services Office, 165A S. Bluebird Rd., Sacaton, AZ
Area of Interest: Legal
Salary Type: Depending on Experience
Salary/ Hourly Rate: $96,251 Salary
Tribal Driving Permit Required: Yes
____________________________________________________

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT INFORMATION
• Term of Contract is three years and subject for renewal
• Compensation reflected on the Job Announcement and finalized in the Contract will remain the same, any increases (merit, cost of living for employees, Director Contract will also be eligible for increase)
• Annual Leave – Allowed a capped amount of leave each fiscal year, (amount of leave determined upon start date of position). Leave is not carried over into next fiscal year and paid at end of each fiscal year.
• Sick Leave – Allowed a capped amount of leave each fiscal year, leave is not paid at end of each fiscal year.

MEDICAL BENEFIT INFORMATION (effective immediately upon hire date, no probationary period required)
• Medical – EPO or PPO Self-Funded Plan utilizing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Network
• Prescription Program
• Dental – Plan is provided through CIGNA with no deductible for preventive services or $50 (individual)/$150 (family) deductible for basic and major services
• Vision – plan benefits are provided through Sight Care of Arizona and carry a $10 co-pay for exams, zero co-pay
• Life and AD&D – Basic, dependent, and/or voluntary benefits provided through CIGNA Group Insurance. GRIC pays the full cost of your basic Life and AD&D.

Other Voluntary Benefits
• Aflac offers various supplemental benefits plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program

TWELVE (12) PAID HOLIDAYS

**THIS IS A CONTRACT POSITION**

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The Director, Defense Services serves as the lead defense attorney responsible for planning, directing, managing, supervising, implementing and achieving department strategic goals of the Defense Services Office of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). Work involves hiring and supervising attorneys to serve as defense attorneys; formulating and monitoring a departmental budget, reviewing proposed legislation; ensuring compliance with tribal, state, and federal governmental regulations; providing leadership and guidance; monitoring and evaluating case files; developing, implementing, and interpreting policies; and handling high profile cases on behalf of GRIC.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Perform complex professional and managerial work directing the operations of the Defense Services Office.
• Plan, organize, manage, coordinate and prioritize work load of assigned staff.
• Coordinate the work of full-time professional and support staff to provide representation to defendants of the Community’s court system.
• Administer, maintain and update employee records, including conducting timely employee performance evaluations on staff.
• Formulate and monitor overall departmental operating budget; maintain records on all departmental projects and activities; authorize and approve departmental expenditures.
• Conduct staff meetings, provide reports/updates, and presentations before Council and other Tribal Officials.
• Coordinate and assign cases based on workload; review case files to ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures and evaluate work performed.
• Review, evaluate, and provide recommendations on proposed code and legislative changes with practical impact on civil rights of Community members.
• Review and analyze statutes, case law, and practices to keep staff updated on current legal and defense service trends.
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and interpret policies, projects and procedures for the Defense Services Office.
• Prepare and maintain a database containing statistical information of client cases accepted and served.
• Responsible for handling appeals process.
• Serve as lead defense attorney of cases with court-wide impact and as the technical authority on complex legal defense cases.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Ensure staff comply with tribal, state, and federal governmental regulations.
• Ensure staff maintain an ethical practice in respect to the Community, Tribal Courts, judicial system and clients.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
§ Knowledge of Community codes and state statutes with emphasis on criminal law and procedures.
§ Knowledge of Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
§ Knowledge of principles of criminal law and of appeal procedures of the Community and other jurisdictions.
§ Knowledge of principles of office management, and contract management.
§ Must be a person with high integrity, honesty and display professional decorum.
§ Possess excellent leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
§ Skill in research legal court decisions of U.S. Supreme Court, Circuit Courts of Appeal, U.S. District Courts and the State of Arizona.
§ Possess excellent writing skills with the ability to produce documents written in the English language using proper sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, spelling and legal citations.
§ Ability to communicate orally in the English language with judges, attorney and the public using a telephone and in group, face-to-face, one-to-one settings.
§ Ability to apply critical thinking and utilize effective communication and problem solving skills using a high degree of independent judgment and personal initiative to develop integrated strategies to efficiently identify issues, concerns and interests and provide effective solutions and to analyze, appraise, research and organize facts, evidence, and precedents.
§ Ability to comprehend and make inferences from written material.
§ Ability to utilize effective communication and problem solving skills.
§ Ability to effectively plan, supervise, organize, direct the activities of a professional and administrative staff, and evaluate internal controls.
§ Ability to enter and retrieve data or information from a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device.
§ Ability to understand and accept cultural background of the Community and the clientele to be served.
§ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public.
§ Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a drug-free workplace.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school; member of the State Bar of Arizona in good standing; and a minimum of eight (8) years experience as a licensed attorney with criminal litigation or defense representation, including a minimum of four (4) years supervisory management experience in a Public Defender’s Office.
Valid state driver’s license with a current proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit. Proof of driving record must be submitted with application.
Background checks are required for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Sections 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63 and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly.
Supervisory, Salaried Position
Reports to Division Manager or designee

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are claiming Preference in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the required documentation to the completed Employment Application.

Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)
Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)
Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)
Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

DEADLINE: Employment Applications are available at all District Service Centers, the Human Resources Department, and online at www.gilariver.org. All Employment Applications and copies of required documents, i.e., Transcripts, Certificates, diploma and Motor Vehicle Record, must be received in the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm on the closing date. Late Applications or documents will not be considered.

HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING SUBMITTED.

To avoid delays, application can be mailed or faxed to:
Gila River Indian Community
Human Resources Department
Post Office Box 97
Sacaton, Arizona 85147
Fax: (520) 562-9809

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

If a Tribal Driving Permit is required on this posting, please provide a current 39 month Motor Vehicle Report (mvr) and it must not be over 60 days old. Please refer to www.servicearizona.com to obtain a Motor Vehicle Report.

If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Department @ 520-562-9808. Thank you for your interest with the Gila River Indian Community.

To view the job posting, please view at the following link: http://www.gilariver.org/index.php/about-tribe/opportunities-group2-opportunities/jobs/17-current-gric-job-openings/5228-14-2036-secretary-ii

 

Recruitment of Brief and Oral Argument Judges for Moot Court

The Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) at The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law is hosting the 2015 National NALSA Moot Court Competition. The competition will be held in Tucson, Arizona on March 6-7, 2015. We are expecting over 70 teams from law schools across the United States to take part in this year’s competition. We need your help to make this the best competition ever.

This year’s moot court problem contains two issues. The first explores tribal adjudicatory jurisdiction over a civil case in which a non-Indian sues a non-member Indian (the widow and mother of tribal members) for the return of a deposit after a business transaction falls through. The second issue explores a tribe’s ability to charge the same non-member Indian with a civil infraction. The full moot court problem is available from the competition website at http://www.law.arizona.edu/iplp/moot_court/.

With the expected number of competitors, we need approximately 57 judges for the briefs and 126 oral argument judges. We are seeking volunteers willing to help fill these crucial spots. We have outlined below the responsibilities of judges. If you are willing to volunteer, please complete the attached form and email to: nnalsamootcourt@gmail.com. Please feel free to pass this request along to others who might be interested.

Brief Judges:
The moot court rules require that briefs be scored anonymously by a panel of three judges. We are trying to get enough volunteers so that each panel will need to judge only four briefs (each of the three judges on a panel will receive and score the same four briefs). Briefs from the student competitors are due on January 12, 2015, and we plan to have the briefs in the hands of the judges a week later. We will send each judge a copy of the briefs, a score sheet, and a copy of the bench brief, which contains a guide to the issue and arguments. Judges agree to return the completed score sheets by March 1.

Team coaches are ineligible to judge the briefs, and brief judges may not judge any team’s practice rounds or otherwise discuss the problem with participants, team faculty advisors, coaches, or other persons directly associated with preparing teams for competition.

Oral Argument Judges:
We will have four sets of preliminary rounds on Friday, March 6—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. We will also have several elimination rounds on Saturday. We will hold an orientation session on Friday morning, Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning, and will also provide score sheets and a guide to the issues and arguments (bench brief).

The competition rules require that judges must fit one of the following categories: (1) passed a federal, state, and/or tribal bar exam, and is a current member of a bar in good standing; (2) currently a sitting judge or served as a judge for at least 2 of the previous 5 years; (3) law school graduate currently clerking for a tribal, state, or federal judge; or (4) full-time law professor. Team faculty advisors, coaches, or other persons directly associated with preparing the teams are ineligible to be competition judges.

If you are interested in judging, please complete the 2015 Judges’ Information Sheet and return it to me at nnalsamootcourt@gmail.com. If you have any questions, you can reach me at the same email address or at (520) 907-8682. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

Sincerely,

Chase Velasquez

President, UA NALSA
Vice President, National NALSA

Native American Law Students Association (NALSA)
Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program
The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Tel: (520) 626-6497 Fax: (520) 626-1819
http://www.law.arizona.edu/iplp

 

ILP Alumni Awards – Call for Nominations

2015 Indian Legal Program ALUMNI Awards

Call for Nominations

 

The Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law has created three awards to be given annually to recognize the ILP’s distinguished alumni.  The awards will be presented at the ILP Alumni & Friends Reception on April 9, 2015.  Awards will be given in the following categories: the Indian Legal Program Professional Achievement Award, the Indian Legal Program Alumni Service Award, and the Indian Legal Program Emerging Leader Award

 

Nomination materials are due by March 2, 2015.  Nomination materials should be sent by email or mail to:

 

Kate Rosier

Indian Legal Program

Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law

PO Box 877906

Tempe, AZ  85287

Kate.Rosier@asu.edu



2015 Indian Legal Program ALUMNI Awards

Nomination Guidelines

Indian Legal Program Professional Achievement Award

The Indian Legal Program Professional Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement in Indian Law or Tribal Law throughout an individual’s career.  The award honors ILP alumni whose achievements in the field of Indian Law or Tribal Law have brought distinction to themselves and real benefit to the Indian community.

Nomination Package Requirements

  • Describe the unique professional achievements in the field of Indian Law or Tribal Law that has brought distinction to the candidate.  (maximum two pages)
  • Describe the recognized contributions made by this candidate that demonstrate a benefit to the larger community? (maximum one page)
  • Describe the ways in which the candidate’s achievements are truly extraordinary or exceptional.  (maximum one page)
  • Provide at least two letters of support from individuals that can speak to the candidate’s impact on his or her profession.
  • Letters of support should speak to the magnitude of the individual’s impact in the practice of Indian or tribal law or in the Indian community.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee. 

     

    Indian Legal Program Alumni Service Award

    The ILP Alumni Service Award is given for outstanding service to the Indian Legal Program, and is awarded for extended, extraordinary service to the Indian Legal Program.

    Nomination Package Requirements

  • Describe the ways in which the candidate has served or supported the ILP and the ILP alumni.  Examples can include serving on committees, boards, CLEs, mentoring ILP students, or other volunteer or fundraising efforts or funding commitments.  (maximum one page)
  • Describe the ways this service been truly extraordinary.  (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate’s service has benefited the ILP.  (maximum one page)
  • Please provide at least two letters of support from ILP alumni as part of the nomination package.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee. 

     

    Indian Legal Program Emerging Leader Award

    The ILP Emerging Leader Award acknowledges and encourages service to Indian Country and the ILP by alumni who are less than ten years out of law school.  The award recognizes outstanding achievements in their professional career, volunteer work, and promotion or support of the ILP and/or ASU NALSA.  Nomination Package Requirements

  • Describe how the candidate has achieved professional success in their legal career.
  • Describe the candidate’s volunteer work.
  • Describe how the candidate achieved an exceptional level of service while balancing the demands of being a recent graduate. (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate was proactive in efforts to become involved in ILP and/or ILP alumni activities.  (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate’s service has been sustained over a long period of time or how the service has been innovative or beneficial.  (maximum one page)
  • Provide two letters of support from fellow ILP alumni.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee.